March Madness: Eames Lounger vs. Barcelona Chair

In the second instalment of March Madness, the classic chair edition, the Barcelona Chair takes on the equally classic Eames Lounger. Which chair will prevail?

We tapped Calgary designer Elena Del Bucchia (check out her beautifully designed modern ranch home here) to lay out the attributes of these classic chairs for our own version of March Madness, but first a bit of background:The History: The Eames Lounger was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, a modern version of the English club chair, which Charles said was to have “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” The Barcelona Chair hit the market decades before, designed in 1929 by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and German modernist designer Lilly Reich.

Which chair is best? Designer Elena Del Bucchia weighs in: 

Eames Lounger

PROS: This chair is a true, mid-century modern classic that will fit into any space and style as it is timeless. When I think of this chair, I think of my perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon: with a cozy blanket, nice view, warm fireplace (during the cold Calgary months) and a good book with wine on the side.CONS: It’s hard to find negatives about this chair, but people who are taller than average (5’10-plus) may have to scoot forward in order for their head to stay supported.

Barcelona Chair

PROS: It was originally designed for the Spanish king and queen, along with the stool for attendants. (You know it’s a great chair if it was fit for royalty!) The chair is also an iconic, handmade piece that only gets better as time goes on—the leather gets softer and more beautiful. Barcelona looks stunning the the caramel colour leather or classic black.CONS: Some associate this chair with modern, more minimalistic settings, but in reality it can work with any style as long as you pay careful attention to detail.

Tell us your favourite in the comments below!